Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has dramatically soared back into the billionaire club as Ethereum’s price surged above $4,000—a milestone first hit in December 2024. This resurgence highlights renewed enthusiasm and institutional momentum behind ETH.
On-Chain Fortune Reaches $1 Billion
Blockchain intelligence data shows that Buterin’s on-chain holdings now total roughly 240,042 ETH, valuing his portfolio at about $1.04 billion. He also holds smaller stakes in tokens like AETHWETH, WHITE, MOODENG, and WETH.
ETH Breaks $4K and Charges Toward New Highs
Over the weekend, ETH climbed 6.38%, hitting $4,332 before settling near $4,244. Market watchers foresee a possible retest of the all-time high near $4,878, with some analysts predicting it could happen “just a matter of days” from now.
Institutional Demand Fuels the Rally
ETH-focused exchange-traded funds attracted $461 million in inflows, outpacing Bitcoin’s $404 million. Over five trading days, U.S. spot Ether ETFs recorded $326.6 million in net inflows compared to $253.2 million for Bitcoin ETFs—signaling strong institutional interest in Ethereum.
Buterin’s Caution on ETH Treasury Risks
Despite the bullish sentiment, Buterin has warned that excessive leverage in corporate ETH treasuries could become a systemic risk. He believes such trends could “turn into an overleveraged game,” which might affect long-term market stability.
The Role of BitMine & Bigger Treasury Trends
BitMine Immersion Technologies, chaired by Tom Lee, recently added 208,137 ETH to its reserves, bringing its holdings to over 833,000 ETH—worth more than $3 billion—making it the largest Ethereum treasury-holding company.
Summary
Ethereum’s surge past $4,000 has reignited both speculative and institutional interest, pushing Vitalik Buterin back into billionaire status. With ETFs driving significant inflows and new price targets approaching, ETH’s bullish momentum looks strong—though caution remains over potential risks tied to concentrated treasury holdings.
